Wound healing is a dynamic series of regulated interactions and cellular infiltrates that can be summarized as four high-level and sequential, yet overlapping phases: haemostasis, inflammation, cellular proliferation, and tissue remodelling. The chorion-amniotic membranes are widely accepted as a therapeutic option for the healing of cutaneous wounds due to their immunologically privileged status and bioactive properties.
The umbilical cord transports oxygen and nutrients from the placenta to the foetus during gestation and it is composed of amnion epithelium, two arteries, one vein, and Wharton’s jelly. Wharton’s jelly is a collagenous matrix within the umbilical cord that protects the umbilical vessels and contains an abundance of hyaluronic acid (HA). Preliminary studies have shown that a cryopreserved umbilical cord product has been used as a graft to treat complex foot ulcers and can promote re-epithelialization in a murine corneal abrasion mode.
The aim of this study was to characterize PURION® PLUS-Processed dehydrated human umbilical cord (dHUC) and identify its biological properties relevant to wound healing
Previous studies have demonstrated that this proprietary process results in an amniotic allograft with retained biological activity, which promotes accelerated wound closure of diabetic foot ulcers and venous leg ulcers when compared with standard treatments. The novel umbilical cord tissue, dHUC, is believed to also be a promising treatment option for healing wounds and soft tissue injuries.
These findings establish that dHUC possesses biological properties that stimulate cellular responses important for soft tissue healing.
The results of this study suggest that dHUC is a promising therapy for the treatment of acute and chronic wounds due to its vast growth factor and protein content, ECM components and ability to promote cell responses such as proliferation, migration and angiogenesis.
Authors: Jenn D. Bullard,† Jennifer Lei,† Jeremy J. Lim, Michelle Massee, Anna M. Fallon, Thomas J. Koob
Newspaper J Biomed Mater Res B Appl Biomater. 2019 May; 107(4): 1035–1046.
Source: Int Wound J 2018; 15:114–122